Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
Adoption due to abandonment?
I have a 7 year old son that I have had custody of since he was born. He has never seen his natural father (by the father's choice) and when the DSS has tried to serve him papers for child support, he quits his job and moves. The Father lives in VA, however, the child and myself live in MD. I remarried in Oct 2000 and my current husband is the only ''father'' that my son has known. My husband loves my son very much (as if he were his own). Since there has been NO contact of any sort I need to know what the laws of abandonment are and how my husband can adopt my son. I don't have much money and if this is easy enough is there somebody that can either do it pro bono or help me to do it pro se? I would greatly appreciate any help!
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Adoption due to abandonment?
I agree with Mr. Sher's response. Let me add that in addition you may want to contact your local legal services organization. Even if they cannot help you with your case, that may be aware of someone who would help of whom the local bar is not aware.
Re: Adoption due to abandonment?
Even though the biological father has in reality abandoned your child, you will still have to go through the court process and attempt to notify him of your husband's adoption petition. If you don't have a reliable address, the court will probably permit you to notify him by publishing a legal notice in a newspaper of general circulation. If you want legal assistance, I suggest you contact the bar association in your county and ask for a referral to an attorney who handles this kind of matter through the lawyer referral service. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for an attorney at a reduced fee.
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